Sale go into Friday's game against Saracens at the AJ Bell Stadium looking to build on last week's convincing bonus point victory over Gloucester.

Saracens suffered a shock 22-13 defeat to 10th placed London Irish last Saturday, and are missing a host of international starts including fly-half Owen Farrell.

That defeat to Irish means Sarries dropped to second in the table, although there is still a ten point gap between them and Bath.

Sharks have the possibility of moving into the top four for a night, and could not have picked a better time to play Mark McCall's men.

Steve Diamond will also be looking for a repeat performance of their LV=Cup semi-final win over the London club last year, with tries from Tom Holmes and Nathan Fowles helping them to a 21-15 victory.

Sale were minutes away from a famous upset when the two sides met at Allianz Park back in November, when a Danny Cipriani inspired fight back almost saw them upset the pre-season favourites, until George Kruis broke Sharks' hearts.

It is telling that many of the Saracens players who have impressed in the statistics department this season will be absent come Friday. Billy Vunipola be preparing for his encounter with Ireland in a couple of weeks time, but Alex Goode has been released by England and looks to return to the Saracens squad on Friday, these are the two players who have made the most carries for the side this season.

Contrast that with Sale, who have players in Mark Cueto and Rob Miller that have made just under 100 carries this season, and it is easy to see why Diamond will be quietly confident of a win.

Despite this, Sarries have handed out a few bonus point victories already this season, and it will be up to Sharks' top tacklers to counter the threat. Michael Paterson, Dave Seymour and Dan Braid have all been influential this season, and have been crucial in the tightening up of Sale's defence.

Sale will have to be on their best form to remain in the top half by the end of the weekend, with London Wasps breathing down their necks in the race for the top six.

Tickets are still available for this crucial clash on Friday 14th February. To book your place in the stands, call 08444 994 994, email info@salesharks.com, or buy online.

The last time Sharks were up against Saracens in the Premiership in a 24-19 defeat.